November 1st is National Cook for Your Pet Day

New Cyprus Magazine

Every pet has their specific individual nutritional needs and one diet does not fit all.  For a pet owner it can be very confusing. Should I give a raw diet, commercial canned or dry food, home-cooked, or a combination of any of the above? It is important to work with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your pet. However, on this national Cook for Your Pet day we thought we would give you a few food ideas that you can incorporate into your pet’s diet for added nutritional benefit. Some items can be “cooked” and others given fresh..try to maintain as much nutritional value as possible (don’t overcook). For more diet tips visit our website Askariel.com.

Foods to consider “cooking” for your pet

• Steamed Green Beans- or frozen as a treat
• Zucchini
• Baby Carrots
• Chopped Broccoli
• Baked fish, venison, other lean meats (if pet isn't allergic)
• Pumpkin- adds fiber to their diet

Note- make sure any item is safe to be consumed by your pet. Certain foods (such as chocolate and onions) can be toxic.  Here is a link to American Kennel Club for toxic foods. Also, make sure you consider any health conditions your pet may have, such as: weight issues, diabetes, kidney disease, pancreatitis and Cushing disease to name a few.  Remember…”You are what you eat" goes for your pet too!

Three Excuses For Not Walking Your Dog and How To Overcome Them

1.  Too tired after coming home from work and just want to relax

Tip:  Taking even a short walk can re-energize you and help you leave work behind for the evening.  You will feel better if you get it out of the way right when you walk in the door.  Have the leash and shoes waiting and just do it!  Or try walking before work if that is possible.  A little walk in the morning always helps make a day brighter.

2.  No time--too busy!

Tip:  Each week take a look at your schedule.  Ask yourself "when could I squeeze in a 15 minute walk?".  Put a few walks on your calendar:   Date with Buddy.  C'mon you can do it!

3.  My dog gets plenty of exercise in the yard all day.

Tip:  When a dog is left in the yard, most of the time all they do is sleep.  Dogs are pack animals and want to be with you.  Going for a walk is a lot more than exercise for a dog.  Think of it as "reading the newspaper".  Dogs love to cruise the neighborhood, sniff all around and mark their territory.  It's also special bonding time with you that they may not get any other time of the day. 

Helping Rescued Senior Dogs

Have you ever shared your bed with your beloved pet only to realize you were on the very edge and they had all the covers?  Now multiply that by seven and you can picture what Chris and Mariesa Hughes were facing every night sharing a bed with their seven rescue dogs.  After nights of couch sleeping the Hughes’ came up with a solution that made everyone happy…they created the Megabed!

The Megabed measures just under 14' x 7' with added steps so the senior dogs do not need to jump up

Chris and Mariesa Hughes are founders of The Mr. Mo Project, a nonprofit with a mission to rescue elderly and sick dogs from shelters (saving them from possible euthanasia) and placing them in homes to live the rest of their life in a home filled with love.  Mr. Mo Project also covers the dog’s medical and living expenses. 

How To Help Prevent Cat-Scratch Fever

This month the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC) has released results from a study that shows an increase in serious complications from “cat-scratch” disease (also known as cat-scratch fever). It is a disease spread through contact (usually scratches or bites)with infected cats or cat fleas (carrier of the disease) However, it important to note that the bacterium causing the disease, called Bartonella henselae, is not present in most cats.

According to the report approximately 12,000 people were diagnosed with cat-scratch disease during the study period, of which 500 required hospitalizations. Young children, those with compromised immune systems and the elderly seem to be at higher risk of having complications.

Good hygiene is the key here.  The CDC advises people to wash hands thoroughly after playing with their cats and to treat cat scratches (or bites) promptly to avoid infection. If you notice swelling or redness seek medical attention. The disease can be treated with antibiotics.

Sources: cbsnews.com,usa today, cdc 

Bloodhound Finishes Half Marathon To Her Owner's Surprise

Love this story ...Has your pet ever surprised you with new talents you didn't know before? Last winter, Ludivine, a bloodhound, decided to join the Elkmont Half Marathon in Alabama to the surprise of her owner.  Ludivine lives on a farm near the starting line for the race and decided to investigate all the commotion. As the gun sounded, to start the race, she took off with the other racers and ran the entire 13.1 miles and finished 7th!  Of course she had a couple of stops, sniffing some road kill and taking a dip and drink from a nearby pond. There is talk of next year’s race being called the Hounddog Half with special recognition for 7^th place. What a wonderful surprise for Ludivine's owner!  For the whole story as told to Runner's World click here

What wonderful ways has your pet surprised you?  Email us at support@askariel.com

Is Your Pet Overweight?

 

Is your pet overweight or obese?

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), an estimated 58% of cats and 54% of dogs in the United States are indeed overweight or obese. Obesity can lead to an array of medical issues and addressing the issue, sooner rather than later, can have a huge impact for your pet.

PRIMARY RISKS OF EXCESS WEIGHT IN PETS  
Osteoarthritis
Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Heart and Respiratory Disease
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury
Kidney Disease
Many Forms of Cancer
Decreased life expectancy (up to 2.5 years)

How do I know if my pet needs to lose weight?
Here are a couple of tests you can do at home. You can also visit APOP's website, or speak to your veterinarian to determine your pet’s ideal weight.

• Run your hands across the chest of the dog or cat. You should always be able to feel their ribs but not see them. There should never be a layer of fat over the ribs.
• Look at the standing dog or cat from a bird's eye view. They should have what looks like a waist that tucks in right in front of the hips

 
Susan Davis, our Ask Ariel nutritionist, gives these tips to get pets back into shape:
• Control portions. Look at everything you are feeding your pet -- pet food, treats and human food -- and reduce the amount. Use proper measuring tools. Also, food packages will recommend portions by weight ranges. Use the weight range of the overweight pet's ideal weight, not its current weight. And use the lowest suggested amount for that range. For example, if the manufacturer recommends two to three cups for dogs over 30 pounds, give the dog two cups.

• Control quality. Don't feed your pet human junk food like pizza or sweets such as baked goods, ice cream or cookies. Home-prepared meals using fresh ingredients are acceptable, Davis says. Wholesome items such as brown rice, fresh lean meats and carrots are recommended. Be sure to avoid the human foods that can be toxic to cats and dogs: grapes/raisins, mushrooms, chocolate and coffee. Tomatoes and garlic can also be toxic for cats.

• Increase exercise. Get into the habit of walking your dog every day. Getting outdoors is good for a pet's emotional health, too, giving it a chance to make social contact and find out what is going on in the neighborhood. Most dogs love to play fetch and some love to swim. Cats can stay active indoors by actively playing with their toys and “hunting” for food.

We Say Goodbye To Tally

Tally

We received sad news that Tally, a long time furry client, passed away. He was a Beagle/Golden Retriever mix that had a diagnosis of anal gland cancer in 2011.  He also had a lifelong issue with IBS and later liver disease. His owner, Michelle, shared these thoughts with us.

"Tally has passed on after a huge decline in health during his last week of life.  Tally was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 11. While several people thought I should put him down, I would never do that without a fight.....this is when I discovered Ask Ariel.  Susan Blake Davis recommended a diet and supplements that dramatically improved Tally's quality of life that allowed him to beat the odds and live an additional 5-1/2 years to the age of almost 16. Susan Blake Davis is gifted and amazing!  Up until 2 weeks before Tally passed on, he was doing fast runs around the house. I will be forever thankful for Ask Ariel."

Michelle, Pennsylvania 2016

Tally’s supplements included:

• InflammatoryBowel Disease Kit
• Gastro ULC
• K-9 DigestiveEnzymes
• Amazing Omegas
• Oxicell SE
• Pancreatitis and Liver Support Kit

Dog Gallbladder Mucocele Problems Get Better With Supplements

"I wanted to share with you that last year Miss Ladybug was diagnosed with a possible Gallbladder Mucocele and the vet put her on Ursodiol but it made her very sick, so instead she has been taking the Liver & Gallbladder Supplement, Power Probiotics, and Lypozyme everyday faithfully. We just had another ultrasound check and this time they said everything looks good, that they wouldn’t even say that it's a Mucocele anymore - it just looks like a gallbladder and hasn't gotten bigger. Her blood work was also wonderful - kidneys and liver (everything actually) were in range. Not bad for a 13 year old puppy mill rescue :) They did find a little irritation in the intestines that they feel could be IBD so I knew right away that I would be getting your Soothing Digestive Relief formula this time too. Thank you so much for your amazing products because I truly believe they have extended my baby's life!"

Marissa M. Colorado 2016

Symptoms of A Gallbladder Mucocele

Watch for signs such as:

• decreased appetite
• anorexia
• lethargy
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• a yellowish tinge to the skin or gums
• abdominal pain 

 Be sure to contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of these symptoms.  Gallbladder problems  can be improved with diet and supplements. 

Beagle Finds Relief from Coughing and Gagging

Daisy and Precious

"My dog Holly who was featured in a past article, passed on from a collapsed trachea.  I heard about your supplement (for collapsed trachea) about two weeks after she died to my dismay.  She had a full blood work done when she started coughing and it came back wonderful due to the supplements she was on (for liver disease).  They were amazed!  Well my other dog Daisy... has always gagged after drinking and recently started coughing occasionally when she lies down. It shook me up because that is how Holly started a year ago. I immediately purchased your ultra-flex collagen.  She has been taking it for a few weeks now and I noticed she doesn't gag anymore.  Listen she has been gagging each time she drank for 2 1/2 years and now she isn't. It is very hard for me not to think I could have saved Holly if I had only known, but I am happy I've found ultra-flex collagen for Daisy. 

I want to thank you again for another great product!"

Lori Baier-Pennsylvania 2016

Collapsed trachea is a progressive condition that affects any breed, but often small dog breeds such as yorkies, maltese, pomeranian, chihuahas, pugs and shih tzus. The disease can cause coughing, gagging and respiratory problems. Our clients have found using  Amazing Omegas and Ultra-Flex Collagen For Pets to strengthen trachea cartilage and can reduce overall coughing/gagging.

Holly

Lori first came to our website seeking help for Holly’s pancreatitis. The supplements she found helpful were in our Pancreatitis and Liver Support Kit. 

Tips To Minimize Your Pet's Stress When You Travel

Taking one last trip for the summer?  It's so hard to leave our pets behind when we travel.  Here are a few tips to relieve stress on your pet:

•  Consider a pet sitter instead of taking your pet to a boarding facility.  Ask your vet, neighbors and friends about who they use when they travel. Keeping your pet in a comfortable environment is key.  For ex: Rover.com offers pet sitters in many locations that you can research and meet beforehand. 
• If you do have to take your pet to a facility, ask about doggie day care.  Even if your pet has never been to doggie day care, many pets enjoy the companionship and activity that doggie day care can provide.  Avoid if possible, leaving your pet in a cage with minimal contact.  See about extended walks if your dog isn't social.
•  Bring your pet's regular food to the boarding facility (divided into normal meals). Pets have sensitive stomachs so keeping their diet consistent and providing supportive supplements such as: Power Probiotic for Pets, Soothing Digestive Relief for Pets, or K-9 Digestive Enzymes can help minimize the occurrence of problems during their stay.
•  Make sure to leave any necessary items that will help keep your pet be calm and happy while you are gone.  (Perhaps a special toy or blanket)  
• If you give your pets supplements, put them in separate meal baggies to make it easy for the caregiver to administer.  For ex: breakfast packets, dinner packets etc
•  Make sure to leave all emergency numbers including:  your contact phone number, a local emergency contact, and your veterinarian.
• Make some special treats for your pet using food they already consume (don't try new foods while you are away!).  For ex:  stuff a kong ball with canned food and freeze or bake treats from regular canned food.

Pros and Cons of Crate Training

Crate training is controversial and there are pros and cons on the subject. If you have ever had an ongoing home improvement project or traveled with your dog (planes require crates) you may understand there are benefits to having a crate trained dog, but unfortunately crates are also used inappropriately by some owners. The purpose of the crate should be for the safety of the pet; this includes preventing them from engaging in destructive and dangerous behaviors and providing a familiar place when traveling that may lessen anxiety. Dogs, especially puppies, can be inquisitive, active chewers, and escape artists; a crate can eliminate the risk of accidental ingestion of something dangerous or an unsupervised dog on the loose. An added  bonus, is it can help tremendously in housebreaking puppies (dogs instinctively avoid soiling where they sleep).  Some dogs may end up LOVING their crate and go there whenever they want to feel safe. The biggest con to crate training though stems from owners acting irresponsibly. They may be keeping the dog crated for excessively long periods of time, using a crate that is too small (limiting movement and comfort), or using an unsafe crate. For crate training to be successful, it must be a safe and comfortable space for your pet, not a place of punishment!

Tips to successful crate training

• Pick a proper crate for your dog (consider size in the future)
• Train your dog to go into the crate by using positive reinforcement
• Start for short periods of time
• Have crate in an area with the family (dogs are pack animals and the family is their pack)
• Do not keep a dog in a crate for more than 3 or 4 hours unless absolutely necessary
• If your dog gets anxious in the crate and becomes excessively destructive, find an alternative

Be Careful With Treats on July 4th

WATCH THE TREATS!  

On July 4th,  it is very tempting to want to treat your pet to some of the holiday goodies.  Please be careful!  Foods such as hot dogs, baked beans, rolls and pie can be harmful to pets.  It is quite common for emergency animal clinics to be filled with dogs and cats suffering from a severe bout of pancreatitis during the holidays.  If your pet is prone to pancreatitis, give them extra Lypozyme for improved fat digestion and use lower fat treats such as fish and vegetables.

 

The following foods should not be given to pets:
* Chocolate
* Grapes or raisins
* Onions (cooked or raw)
* Sweets (cookies, pie, etc.)
* Rolls/bread (many pets are allergic to gluten)
* High fat foods such as butter and ice cream
* Cooked bones (they can cause choking and tearing in the GI tract)

Feeding pets raisins and chocolate is strongly discouraged and considered harmful due to the toxic substances present in these foods for animals, particularly dogs.

Raisins and grapes can lead to severe kidney damage in dogs, even in relatively small amounts. The exact compound responsible for the toxicity is not yet identified, and the reaction can vary among individual dogs. Ingesting raisins or grapes can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and, in severe cases, it may lead to kidney failure, which can be fatal.

Honoring our American Heroes For Their Sacrifices

On this Memorial Day weekend, we send our sincere gratitude to all those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation. Their unselfish acts have allowed us to continue to enjoy the freedoms that our country was founded upon. However, it is not only the heroic men and women of our military that has sacrificed, but also their canine counterparts who performed their duties with loyalty and honor.

Here are a few facts about these  American canine heroes you might find of interest:

• The United States military has approximately 2500 dogs in active service today with about 700 being deployed overseas.
• They undergo extensive training in tracking, attack maneuvers and bomb, weapons and drug detection. Only approximately half the dogs make it through training and the trained K-9s are extremely valuable (likely worth over $100,000). However, their real value is in the lives they save. With  98% accuracy in their detection skills, the peace of mind they provide to the troops is priceless.
• Dogs in service aren’t all German Shepherds. Highly trainable Labrador Retrievers and Belgian Malinois are often used.
• The dogs mourn the loss of their handler and their handlers mourn the loss of them. They have a special bond; many dogs will act depressed and will often reject a new handler during this mourning period. For those military pups lost in combat, the squad will turn their feeding dishes upside down, hang up their leashes, and leave the kennel door open to symbolize their loss. The poem Guardians of the Night will also be read to honor them for their sacrifice.

 Military Working Dog Teams National Monument

Award Winning Filmmaker JD Disalvatore Trying to Make Los Angeles a "No Kill" City

“I was not only captivated by the ingenuity, bravery and gumption of the rescuers, but also completely sucked into the world of the animals themselves. I feel compelled to share that with everyone…”

JD Disalvatore

JD Disalvatore, an American LGBT award winning film and television producer/director and gay rights activist, was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer. As anyone knows who has been touched by cancer, it can be overwhelming, but during this difficult time (and only thinking of herself) she has made it her mission to save the dogs of Los Angeles and turn it into a “no kill” city.

Her passionate journey began when she began volunteering for the East Valley Animal Shelter and saw firsthand the reality of dogs and cats being euthanized. However, the experience also introduced her to the passionate people, rescues, and organizations that are fighting to save these precious beings from euthanasia. Those experiences led her to make the documentary called “How to Save a Dog”, and it will showcase the incredible effort it takes to rescue a dog. She will also include a series of 20 to 30 educational videos for social media to help educate the general public and different subjects (i.e. How to Foster a Pet, etc). For more information on her project visit the official website here. 

Ms. Disalvatore is an inspiration to us all!

New Guinness Record for Oldest Cat Alive!

Scooter, a 30 –year old Siamese cat from Mansfield, Texas, has just set the new Guinness record for being the oldest cat alive.  He was born on March 26, 1986 and has lived a happy active life (including visiting 45 of the 50 states) with owner Gail Floyd. To obtain the record, evidence had to be submitted to prove the cat’s longevity (videos, witness statements, etc). He still has a way to go to obtain the record of the oldest cat to have EVER lived. That record is held by  Creme Puff who lived to be 38 years and 3 days old.

Scooter is in good health, other than recovering from a broken leg suffered over a year ago, and his veterinarian says “Scooter is quite an amazing cat, with a strong will to live’. The best way to help your pet have a long and active life is to provide them with a healthy diet and supportive holistic supplements such as: Amazing Omegas for Pets, Power Probiotic for Pets, Renelix and Oxicell.

5 Tips For Surviving Shedding Season

The sun is shining, the days are longer and spring is in the air. However, for many, it is also the beginning of the battle of the seemingly never ending shedding season. Here are 5 tips to help you survive the season:

1)  Feed your pet essential fatty acids- Omega 3 (essential fatty acids) are essential for helping your pet maintain a nice coat and will reduce shedding.  Examples: fish oil, flaxseed oil.   Amazing Omegas provide essential fatty acids and nourish the skin and coat.  Many pets are not getting enough essential fatty acids from their diet which can make their coat appear lackluster.  Amazing Omegas can bring back the shimmer in your pet's coat.
2)  Give your pet a bath more frequently- It will help get rid of the dead hair and lessen the amount found throughout the house.
3)  Regular Brushing- More frequent brushing will help your pet's fur stay manageable. It can also be a nice bonding time for you and your pet.  Using a Furminator or other special deshedding tool is helpful.
4)  Cover the Furniture- it may be helpful to cover your furniture with machine washable covers or sheets. Remove them, throw them in the wash and you can be ready for a guest in a minute!
5) Clean out the vents and vacuum more often--shedding season is a lot of work so it's important to try to tackle it before the fur collects everywhere (under refrigerator, behind furniture, on drapes, etc.)

Holistic Supplements and Diet help Archie the Scottish Terrier

We love hearing  success stories from our happy clients who use holistic care to help their pets. Here is one we received recently...we are so thrilled to hear Archie is doing so well!

Hi 

We wanted to let you know how great Archie is doing with all the help you have given us.  With Archie being a Scottie we have had to deal with Scottie Cramp and the possibility of Cushings.  When he developed Scottie Cramp the breeder told us to not expose him to any of the causes that made the Scottie cramp happen.  Instead, with your help, we exposed him to the causes which are anything that made him excited.  By doing this we made the causes a norm in his life which have diminished the cramp or done away with it all together.  His legs are now strong and he can go up and down the stairs without any help.  By watching his blood tests we have been monitoring his ALK Phosphates and Cortisol levels.  When they started to increase, we added Canine Cushing support.  After being on the product six months his water intake is back to normal and so far his blood work is stabilizing.  Along with the Cushing support he is on a raw diet and a number of other supplements (Lypozyme, Special SAMe for dogs, Gastro ULC, and Amazing Omegas) you have recommended for balance.   We want to thank you so much for all the help and care for “Archie”.

Rich, Patty and “Archie” California 2016

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Dog Receives Highest Honors

Lucca, a retired U.S. Marine Corps dog, was honored with the The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) “Dickin Medal” during a ceremony in London. It is considered the highest honor that can be given to an animal for military service in the world. Lucca completed more than 400 explosive-sniffing missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and had no human casualties during any of her missions. However, she suffered the loss of one of her legs from a homemade bomb in Afghanistan in 2012. After her recovery,  she has retired and now Lucca resides with her handler at Camp Pendleton in California.

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/u-s-marines-dog-lucca-receives-pdsa-dickin-medal-after-n550786

Natural Canine Cushings Disease Treatment Helps Standard Poodle

Max

Max is a 12 year old Standard Poodle with Canine Cushing's Disease (hyperadrenocortism).  In this condition, the adrenal glands overproduce a hormone called cortisol resulting in symptoms such as panting, excess water consumption, increased appetite, bloated belly, hair and skin problems and a weakened immune system.  The Ask Ariel Canine Cushings Support supplement helps to reduce overall cortisol levels, thereby improving the dog's symptoms of Cushings Disease.

We are greatly appreciative that Max's family shared his success so that other pet owners know there is hope for this challenging health condition.

 "Max has been using the Canine Cushings Support formula for 4 months with good results.  Max's appetite has gone from voracious, always hungry to pretty normal.  His thirst was almost unquenchable, drank so much water!  We are so happy we found a remedy to help him with his Cushing's Disease."

 D. Franke, Wisconsin